Metroparks Toledo is committed to providing the region with designated spaces that allow unstructured play with surrounding natural elements. This offers a different way to interact and deepen visitor connection to the natural world. 

Metroparks stewards and protects many precious species, so it is crucial for visitors to follow park rules and stay in these designated nature play areas. We encourage hands-on exploration in nature play areas to help visitors gain a greater appreciation of the importance of protecting our trails, flora, and fauna.

What Is Nature Play?

Within these designated areas, park visitors may climb on, pick up, stack, and move loose, natural elements. This may look like a pile of logs, sticks or pinecones, but the options for creative play are endless. 

Nature play is perhaps more easily defined by what it is not:

• A structured playground
• Made up of immovable equipment
• Created only in a forest environment 

Nature play is:

• Open-ended interactions
• Hands-on exploring
• Anywhere outside

Positive Impacts

New studies and many experts agree that it is important for developing children to have unscripted opportunities for play in nature. The direct benefits are numerous and wide-ranging. From building confidence and problem-solving skills, to increasing focus while decreasing stress and anxiety, it is clear that nature play is a mind, body, and wellness experience.

Come out to play!